Low Budget Filmmaking

January 16 -17, 2021

Low Budget Filmmaking

2 Days

You’re writing your great film script, you have an idea for a doco or web series and want to get started; your friend/s need a music clip, you want to make an award-winning short for a film festival or someone needs a corporate video for their business website? This 2 day course is for beginners, filmmakers on a budget, media teachers and students, and people generally wanting to learn the essentials of filmmaking.

You’ll learn how to expertly light a scene, record sound and move your camera to get high production values. Over the 2 days we will shoot a music clip, a mini documentary/interview using equipment provided at the course. We’ll also use iPhones, GoPro’s, DSLR’s, Camcorders and Blackmagic cameras. We will introduce you to inexpensive, professional Final Cut Pro X editing. If time permits, we’ll edit the music clip we shoot together.

This course is also aimed at “one man band” or small crews with little or no budget. You’ll learn how to move your camera using devices that don't cost much and learn about apps to help you. A strong emphasis is placed on sound and lighting techniques which can let down a production if not done well.

While there will be cameras available to shoot with at the course, participants are encouraged to bring, and use, their own cameras (and tripod if you have one) to experiment with the techniques demonstrated at the course. This is a very hands-on course and we encourage all participants to be involved in all aspects - camera, sound, directing, acting and editing -everything we shoot in class.

An individual exercise will be given to anyone wishing to put their learning into practice after the first day (not mandatory). They will be given the task of shooting and editing a 2-3 min interview piece as homework using their phones or other equipment they own. They will need to shoot with good sound and lighting techniques learned in class and overlay b-roll footage throughout the edit. Films shot on iPhones can be cut on iMovie directly on your phone, for example. A limited number of lapel microphones, headphones and small LED lights can be loaned out for the task. The next morning we show and discuss these films.

You will also get the latest information on low budget cameras, lighting, audio, sliders and stabilisers. By the end of the weekend participants should be able to go out and shoot their own stories and make much better films with higher production values. Conducted by Con Filippidis Cinematographer/Camera Operator (Hostage to Fate, Desire, 25th Reich, BBQ).

Participants are advised to book early to secure a place in this popular, innovative course, which books out quickly every year.

*This course designed for low budget/no budget filmmakers wanting to make professional looking films on affordable equipment.